How best to handle white fish?

When you first begin fishing, it is often difficult to know how to catch fish, and then how to unhook them once you've reeled them in. Discover in this advice some good movements you can do to be more efficient and release the fish in the best conditions.

CATCHING FISH

When the fish comes up to the surface is the time to strike, but this is sometimes easier said than done.

FOR SMALL AND AVERAGE SIZED FISH

In the majority of situations, you can just grab them by hand. Make sure you wet your hands thoroughly before taking hold of them, as this will prevent the fish from losing its protective layer (mucous).

Then place your hand on the upper part of the fish, paying attention to the peaks on the upper fin. To avoid getting pricked, you must start from the head and gently slide backwards to hold the fish in the middle. This will lower the fin along the fish. Be sure to hold the fish firmly, which will prevent it from moving and falling.

LARGER FISH

It is essential that you have a net to catch larger fish. Then put the fish in a plastic tarp or wet reception mat while holding it still.

UNHOOKING THE FISH

Unhooking a fish is a movement that requires a certain degree of dexterity. Here's how to do it.

SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED HOOKS

You have to push forward on the end part of the stem of the hook.If the hook is set too deeply, you will have to use a disgorger. All you have to do is hold the line tight, slide the line towards the disgorger's gap and move the disgorger towards the hook. Once the disgorger is stuck to the hook, push sharply towards the inside of the mouth, keeping the line taut.

LARGE HOOKS

It is often better to use pliers to be more precise and avoid damaging the fish too badly. This movement is performed in a circular motion towards the rear. Don't be afraid to make a sharp movement to unhook the barb.

Whenever you are releasing a fish, before releasing it, be sure to make sure that it is in a good enough state to swim away by holding it gently in the water for a few seconds. The fish will often suddenly twitch its fin and then swim away. If this does not happen, you must oxygenate it by moving the fish backwards and forwards in the water so that water flows through its gills.

Now you know the best way to handle white fish and release them in the best conditions. This will increase your efficiency while also protecting the fish.